Declining Journalist Safety in Ghana: RSF Press Freedom Index 2025 Drop to 52nd Sparks Alarm

Introduction

Journalist safety in Ghana is under increasing scrutiny following Ghana’s slip to 52nd place in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, down from 50th in 2024. This decline highlights growing concerns over the protection of journalists, often referred to as “newshounds,” amid rising threats and harassment. The index, a globally recognized benchmark for press freedom, measures factors like safety, legal frameworks, and societal support for media professionals.

At a recent media-safety discussion hosted by key stakeholders—including the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association, Ghana Journalists Association, Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana, and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)—experts dissected these troubling trends. This event underscored the urgent need for enhanced journalist protection in Ghana to safeguard independent journalism. Understanding the RSF Press Freedom Index and its implications offers valuable insights into the state of media freedom worldwide and in Ghana specifically.

What is the RSF World Press Freedom Index?

The RSF World Press Freedom Index evaluates 180 countries annually based on five indicators: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and safety. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better press freedom. Ghana’s overall score dipped slightly from 67.71 in 2024 to 67.13 in 2025, but the safety category saw the most dramatic fall.

Analysis

The analysis of Ghana’s performance in the 2025 RSF Press Freedom Index reveals a stark deterioration in journalist safety, dropping from 72nd to 86th globally—a 14-place plunge. Dr. Gilbert Tietaah, a senior lecturer in the University of Ghana’s Department of Communication Studies, described this shift as “deeply concerning” during the media-safety discussion. He emphasized that this sharp decline signals escalating threats to journalists from both state and non-state actors, including harassment, intimidation, and physical assaults.

These abuses have become the most common forms of mistreatment faced by media professionals in Ghana, fostering a hostile environment for unbiased reporting. The index’s methodology, which aggregates data from questionnaires completed by experts and journalists, ensures the findings are robust and verifiable. This drop in the safety indicator not only reflects immediate risks but also long-term erosion of press freedom in Ghana.

Key Drivers of the Safety Decline

Persistent threats documented in the RSF report include verbal harassment, online intimidation, and physical attacks. Such incidents deter investigative journalism, which is vital for democratic accountability. Stakeholders at the discussion pointed to a pattern where violations often involve state security actors, exacerbating tensions between media and authorities.

Summary

In summary, Ghana’s descent to 52nd in the 2025 RSF Press Freedom Index, particularly the alarming 14-place drop in journalist safety rankings, has intensified calls for reform. Organized by prominent media bodies and the MFWA, the discussion featured expert insights into threats like assaults and intimidation. While police representatives urged personal responsibility among journalists, media leaders advocated for systemic changes and stronger collaborations to bolster protection for journalists in Ghana.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For journalists in Ghana navigating declining protection, practical steps can mitigate risks while upholding professional duties. DCOP Grace Ansah Akrofi, speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and serving as Director General of Public Affairs, stressed personal responsibility: “Your safety must be paramount at all times.” Here are actionable recommendations drawn from expert discussions:

Personal Safety Measures for Journalists

• Risk Assessment: Before assignments, evaluate potential threats using tools like safety checklists from organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
• Digital Security: Use encrypted communication apps like Signal and enable two-factor authentication to counter online harassment.
• Buddy System: Work in pairs for high-risk reporting, especially during protests or investigations involving powerful entities.
• Emergency Protocols: Share itineraries with editors and have access to rapid response networks via MFWA or local journalist associations.
• Training: Participate in safety workshops offered by MFWA or international bodies like RSF to build situational awareness.

Institutional Support

Media houses should invest in insurance, legal aid funds, and secure transport for reporters. Collaborating with police through dedicated media desks can facilitate quicker incident reporting and investigations.

Points of Caution

While pursuing stories, journalists must heed warnings about escalating dangers. Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, noted that the recent discussion is part of broader efforts to remedy freedom of expression breaches. Key cautions include:

• Avoid solo coverage of volatile events like political demonstrations without backup.
• Be wary of state security actors, as many of the 87 recorded violations over five years involved them.
• Document all incidents meticulously for potential legal action or RSF reporting.
• Refrain from provocative language that could escalate confrontations.

Stakeholders warn that ignoring these risks contributes to a chilling effect on press freedom in Ghana, where independent journalism is essential for transparency.

Comparison

Comparing Ghana’s 2025 RSF rankings to prior years illustrates a troubling trajectory in journalist safety. In 2024, Ghana held 50th overall with a safety rank of 72nd. The 2025 slide to 52nd overall and 86th in safety marks the steepest decline in the safety metric. Regionally, sub-Saharan Africa averages lower scores, but neighbors like Senegal (ranked higher) demonstrate better protections through proactive policies.

Global and Regional Benchmarks

This comparison, based on RSF data, highlights Ghana’s relative regression and the need to emulate stronger regional models for journalist protection.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s Constitution, particularly Articles 162-165, guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom, prohibiting censorship and protecting media rights. Violations documented by MFWA—87 incidents over five years involving journalists and others—may contravene these provisions, potentially leading to judicial remedies. State actors implicated in harassment could face accountability under criminal laws against assault and intimidation. Engagements like the recent discussion aim to enforce compliance, ensuring remedies for breaches and upholding constitutional standards for press freedom in Ghana.

Conclusion

The drop in Ghana’s RSF Press Freedom Index rankings, especially in journalist safety, demands immediate action from government, police, media organizations, and civil society. Robust partnerships, as emphasized by stakeholders, are crucial to reversing this trend and fostering a secure environment for newshounds. By prioritizing protection, Ghana can strengthen its democracy, where free press serves as a cornerstone. Ongoing dialogues and reforms offer hope for improved media safety and sustained press freedom.

FAQ

Sources

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF). “2025 World Press Freedom Index.” Available at: rsf.org/en/index.
• Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Reports on violations, 2020-2025.
• Life Pulse Daily. “Concerns deepen over declining protection of newshounds in Ghana.” Published November 28, 2025.
• Ghana Constitution (1992), Articles 162-165 on Freedom of Speech and Press.
• Statements from Dr. Gilbert Tietaah, DCOP Grace Ansah Akrofi, and Sulemana Braimah at media-safety discussion.

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